We don’t choose our pets, they choose us.

When a family decides it’s time to bring a pet into the mix, the energy and excitement levels go through the roof. We try to figure out what type of pet that we want, a dog, a cat, a bird, etc… Once we determine that, then we go into breeds; all of a sudden we become top notch researchers and read up on all the possible breeds that interest us. We take into account, the size, temperament, ailments just to name a few. We look at all sorts of pictures on the internet and in books and even go out of our way to try and meet people that own the pet that we are looking to buy. But when all is said and done, this is all for naught. In reality, when we go to the pet store, pet show or pet swap meet, our eyes initially train on the breed we want but suddenly get pulled in every which way. We get bombarded with other various breeds along the way and all that research goes down the drain; I’ll even wager that every family member will be drawn to a different breed that somehow piques their interest.

Eventually there is one breed that all the family members can agree upon and that is the one that instantly catches our hearts. It’s a feeling you can’t describe; we all see something special and we know that this is the “one” for our family. Now did we initially go looking for a new pet? Yes. Did we do our homework before acting? Yes. Did we go with the intention of purchasing our intended pet? Yes. But what it all boils down to is that the pets are really shopping for new owner to love and care for. They put on a show for the family that they feel best matches their personality. They are the ones doing the shopping, not us. So when you think about it, when you really think about it…we don’t choose our pets, they choose us.